During the bloggers conference of OTJ (On-the-Job) movie directed by Erik Matti and co produced by Star Cinema and Reality Entertainment, Piolo Pascual and Joey Marquez were present on the first leg of the back to back blogcon of the film. The action packed drama film will be shown in cinemas nationwide starting August 28. Joining Piolo and Joey in the film are Gerald Anderson, Joel Torre, Shaina Magdayao, Angel Aquino, Rayver Cruz, Vivian Velez, Michael de Mesa, Rosanna Roses and Empress.
OTJ gives a glimpse on the dark and dirty side of crime and how people in power became part of it. Francis Coronel, Jr. an NBI Agent played by Piolo wanted to go deeper on this anomaly happening behind bars where criminals instead of being rehabbed and undergo transformation they became cold hearted assassins. And there was Daniel played by Gerald who was trained assassin by Mario “Tatang” Maghari (Joel). With this kind of scenario, how will Francis put end on the system that even those in powers are running it?
During the discussion, Piolo Pascual shared that it was very new for him to do action whereas he was usually assigned to drama and romantic comedy projects in both films and TV shows. He shared that when Direk Erik gave him the script he really loves the story and the character of Francis. “Gusto ko yung offbeat roles na I find challenging like the role of Francis, matagal na kasi akong nahanay sa drama and romcom” (I want offbeat roles like the role of Francis, I was usually assigned to drama and romcom). Piolo explained. Meanwhile, Direk Erik mentioned that he was really hoping that Piolo choose the character of Francis that really fits his personality, but they almost give him the role of Daniel when the artist should be doing it backed out until Piolo introduced Gerald to them that is perfect for the Daniel role.
During the 66th Cannes Film Festival last May 15-26 in France where the film was screened at the Directors’ Fortnight, Piolo shared it was very overwhelming to see that the theater was jam-packed with film aficionados and critics who wanted to see their film. Aside from that he said that it was very rare for films being screened at Cannes where most of the viewers stayed until the end and even more giving them a standing ovation. Ecstatically, Piolo said they had experienced that humbling moment where they were given with standing ovation and most specially viewers stayed until the film ended. OTJ was one of the three Filipino films screened at Cannes including Norte, the End of History of Lav Diaz starring Archie Alemania and Sid Lucerio and Death March of Adolfo Alix, Jr. starring Jason Abalos, Sid Lucero, Zanjoe Marudo, Sam Milby, Felix Roco and Carlo Aquino.
OTJ is part of the 20th anniversary offering of Star Cinema and will have its international screening very soon.
